Password & Authentication Policy Template
Password complexity, authentication requirements, and account management for all CDE system components.
What This Policy Covers
Required Sections
A compliant Password & Authentication Policy for PCI DSS v4.0 must include the following7 sections. Each section addresses a specific control requirement that auditors will review.
Purpose and Scope
Policy objectives and all system component accounts.
Password Requirements
Minimum 12 characters, complexity, history, and rotation.
Multi-Factor Authentication
MFA requirements for all CDE and remote access.
Account Lockout and Timeout
Failed attempt lockout and session inactivity timeout.
Unique User IDs
Prohibition on shared credentials and group accounts.
Service and System Account Management
Non-interactive account controls and password rotation.
Vendor Default Credentials
Mandatory change of all vendor-supplied defaults.
Generate a Customized Version
This template shows the required structure. PoliWriter generates a fully customized Password & Authentication Policy that references your actual cloud providers, identity systems, tools, and team practices — ready for auditor review.
Policy Details
Other PCI DSS v4.0 Templates
Controls for network security including firewall configuration, DMZ setup, and cardholder data environment segmentation.
Policy governing storage, transmission, and protection of cardholder data and sensitive authentication data.
Processes for identifying, prioritizing, and remediating security vulnerabilities across system components.
Restricting access to cardholder data system components on a business need-to-know basis.
Logging, monitoring, and testing of all network resources and cardholder data access.
Overarching information security policy addressing all PCI DSS program requirements and security governance.
Incident response plan for suspected or confirmed cardholder data breaches and security events.
Physical access controls for cardholder data environments, media handling, and device security.